Made as a demo exploring potential manufacturing technologies, the parts have been dubbed as “the next big step towards artificial intelligence” in machinery.

Additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0

The future of manufacturing, Industry 4.0, is fuelled by the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Robotics and Big Data – all working together to develop Smart Factories that self-monitor and free-up human employees for roles that require more engagement.

Though far from seamless at present, many companies are trialling Smart Factory concepts in a bid to stay ahead in the next industrial revolution – an action as recommended by a recent report from KPMG.

Additive manufacturing plays an important role in this new-wave development, as the hardware is “automation ready,” i.e. prepared with in-built sensors, or wireless controls and monitoring, and there is an overwhelming drive to make machines that cater to series production.

NextGenAM is one such smart factory project in development through the collaboration of Premium AEROTEC, a subsidiary of multinational aerospace organization Airbus Group, industrial 3D printing solutions provider EOS and automotive manufacturer Daimler.

VTT Finland’s project fits within the larger umbrella of Industry 4.0 as a potential method of making machines that sense their conditions and can learn from mistakes.

Digital spare parts

Pasi Puukko is Research Team Leader on the project at VTT. A former Research Scientist and Group Leader at KCL biomaterial development laboratory, and later
Senior Research Scientist at VTT, Puukko has over 20 years experience in the industry.

Puukko recently co-authored a report, with other faculty members at VTT and a team at Aalto University, on Digital Spare Parts, which analyzed the competitiveness of 3D printing in the area.

Smart metal components are one of the ways additive manufacturing can outstrip existing technologies making digital spare parts.

Smart parts

A proof-of-concept demo, sensors and smart identification tags were added to metal components during the manufacturing process.

Puukko explains, “During the manufacturing phase, we embedded an accelerometer and the necessary wiring into a 3D printed metal shaft for a friction bearing,

Beau Jackson is Senior Journalist at 3D Printing Industry. With a longstanding commitment to the site's content, she is credited with producing more articles than any other author in its history. Well-versed in the latest 3D printing research and legal/regulatory challenges, her repertoire spans aerospace, automotive, maritime, medical and creative industries. She is a keen speaker and active representative of the company at key additive manufacturing events.